What is Cloud Computing

The term cloud refers to a network or the internet. It is a technology that uses remote
servers on the internet to store, manage, and access data online rather than local
drives. The data can be anything such as files, images, documents, audio, video, and
more.

There are the following operations that we can do using cloud computing:

o Developing new applications and services

o Storage, back up, and recovery of data
o Hosting blogs and websites
o Delivery of software on demand
o Analysis of data
o Streaming videos and audios

Why Cloud Computing?

Small as well as large IT companies, follow the traditional methods to provide the IT
infrastructure. That means for any IT company, we need a Server Room that is the
basic need of IT companies.

In that server room, there should be a database server, mail server, networking,
firewalls, routers, modem, switches, QPS (Query Per Second means how much queries
or load will be handled by the server), configurable system, high net speed, and the
maintenance engineers.

To establish such IT infrastructure, we need to spend lots of money. To overcome all

these problems and to reduce the IT infrastructure cost, Cloud Computing comes into
existence.
Characteristics of Cloud Computing
The characteristics of cloud computing are given below:

1) Agility

The cloud works in a distributed computing environment. It shares resources

among users and works very fast.

2) High availability and reliability

The availability of servers is high and more reliable because the chances of
infrastructure failure are minimum.

3) High Scalability

Cloud offers "on-demand" provisioning of resources on a large scale, without

having engineers for peak loads.

4) Multi-Sharing

With the help of cloud computing, multiple users and applications can work more
efficiently with cost reductions by sharing common infrastructure.

5) Device and Location Independence

Cloud computing enables the users to access systems using a web browser regardless
of their location or what device they use e.g. PC, mobile phone, etc. As infrastructure
is off-site (typically provided by a third-party) and accessed via the Internet, users
can connect from anywhere.

6) Maintenance

Maintenance of cloud computing applications is easier, since they do not need to be

installed on each user's computer and can be accessed from different places. So,
it reduces the cost also.

7) Low Cost

By using cloud computing, the cost will be reduced because to take the services of
cloud computing, IT company need not to set its own infrastructure and pay-as-
per usage of resources.

8) Services in the pay-per-use mode

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are provided to the users so that they
can access services on the cloud by using these APIs and pay the charges as per
the usage of services.

Types of Cloud
Cloud computing is a revolutionary technology transforming how we store, access, and
process data. It simply refers to delivering computing resources, such as servers,
storage, databases, software, and applications, over the Internet. Cloud computing
uses a network of remote computer systems housed on the net to save and process
data rather than relying on physical infrastructure.

Cloud service companies use advanced security techniques, which include encryption,
firewalls, and access restrictions, to secure your data from unauthorized access.
Moreover, because your information is saved in the cloud, it is secure even if your
nearby devices are damaged, misplaced, or stolen. Redundancy and cloud backups
guarantee that your data may be restored promptly and effectively in case of any
unexpected situations.

Types of Cloud
There are the following 5 types of cloud that you can deploy according to the
organization's needs-
Public Cloud
Public cloud is open to all to store and access information via the Internet using the
pay-per-usage method.

n public cloud, computing resources are managed and operated by the Cloud Service
Provider (CSP). The CSP looks after the supporting infrastructure and ensures that the
resources are accessible to and scalable for the users.

Due to its open architecture, anyone with an internet connection may use the public
cloud, regardless of location or company size. Users can use the CSP's numerous
services, store their data, and run apps. By using a pay-per-usage strategy, customers
can be assured that they will only be charged for the resources they actually use, which
is a smart financial choice.
Example: Amazon elastic compute cloud (EC2), IBM SmartCloud Enterprise, Microsoft,
Google App Engine, Windows Azure Services Platform.

Characteristics of Public Cloud

The public cloud has the following key characteristics:

o Accessibility: Public cloud services are available to anyone with an internet

connection. Users can access their data and programs at any time and from
anywhere.
o Shared Infrastructure: Several users share the infrastructure in public cloud
settings. Cost reductions and effective resource use are made possible by this.
o Scalability: By using the public cloud, users can easily adjust the resources they
need based on their requirements, allowing for quick scaling up or down.
o Pay-per-Usage: When using the public cloud, payment is based on usage, so
users only pay for the resources they actually use. This helps optimize costs and
eliminates the need for upfront investments.
o Managed by Service Providers: Cloud service providers manage and maintain
public cloud infrastructure. They handle hardware maintenance, software
updates, and security tasks, relieving users of these responsibilities.
o Reliability and Redundancy: Public cloud providers ensure high reliability by
implementing redundant systems and multiple data centers. By doing this, the
probability of losing data and experiencing service disruptions is reduced.
 o Security Measures: Public cloud providers implement robust security
measures to protect user data. These include encryption, access controls, and
regular security audits.

Advantages of Public Cloud

There are the following advantages of Public Cloud -

o Public cloud is owned at a lower cost than the private and hybrid cloud.
o Public cloud is maintained by the cloud service provider, so do not need to
worry about the maintenance.
o Public cloud is easier to integrate. Hence it offers a better flexibility approach
to consumers.
o Public cloud is location independent because its services are delivered through
the internet.
o Public cloud is highly scalable as per the requirement of computing resources.
o It is accessible by the general public, so there is no limit to the number of users.
o Rapid deployment of services and applications.
o Reduced time and effort in hardware procurement and setup.
o The cloud provider offers a range of services and resources that you can avail
of.
o Built-in redundancy and resilience for enhanced reliability.

Disadvantages of Public Cloud

o Public Cloud is less secure because resources are shared publicly.

o Performance depends upon the high-speed internet network link to the cloud
provider.
o The data is not under the control of the client.
o Dependency on the cloud service provider for availability and service level
agreements.
o Compliance challenges in meeting industry-specific regulations and standards.
o Risk of vendor lock-in and limited portability of applications and data.
o Concerns about data privacy and confidentiality.
o Potential for unexpected costs with usage-based pricing models.
 o Lack of customization options and flexibility compared to private or hybrid
cloud environments.
o Reliance to the cloud provider's support and responsiveness for issue
resolution.

Private Cloud
Private cloud is also known as an internal cloud or corporate cloud. It is used by
organizations to build and manage their own data centers internally or by the third
party. It can be deployed using Opensource tools such as Openstack and Eucalyptus.

Examples: VMware vSphere, OpenStack, Microsoft Azure Stack, Oracle Cloud at

Customer, and IBM Cloud Private.

Based on the location and management, National Institute of Standards and

Technology (NIST) divide private cloud into the following two parts-

o On-premise private cloud: An on-premise private cloud is situated within the

physical infrastructure of the organization. It involves setting up and running a
specific data center that offers cloud services just for internal usage by the
company. The infrastructure is still completely under the hands of the
organization, which gives them the freedom to modify and set it up in any way
 they see fit. Organizations can successfully manage security and compliance
issues with this degree of control. However, on-premise private cloud setup and
management necessitate significant hardware, software, and IT knowledge
expenditures.
o Outsourced private cloud: An outsourced private cloud involves partnering
with a third-party service provider to host and manage the cloud infrastructure
on behalf of the organization. The provider may operate the private cloud in
their data center or a colocation facility. In this arrangement, the organization
benefits from the expertise and resources of the service provider, alleviating the
burden of infrastructure management. The outsourced private cloud model
offers scalability, as the provider can adjust resources based on the
organization's needs. Due to its flexibility, it is a desirable choice for businesses
that desire the advantages of a private cloud deployment without the initial
capital outlay and ongoing maintenance expenses involved with an on-premise
implementation.

Compared to public cloud options, both on-premise and external private clouds give
businesses more control over their data, apps, and security. Private clouds are
particularly suitable for organizations with strict compliance requirements, sensitive
data, or specialized workloads that demand high levels of customization and security.

Characteristics of Private Cloud

The private cloud has the following key characteristics:

o Exclusive Use: Private cloud is dedicated to a single organization, ensuring the

resources and services are tailored to its needs. It is like having a personal cloud
environment exclusively for that organization.
o Control and Security: Private cloud offers organizations higher control and
security than public cloud options. Organizations have more control over data
governance, access controls, and security measures.
o Customization and Flexibility: Private cloud allows organizations to
customize the infrastructure according to their specific requirements. They can
configure resources, networks, and storage to optimize performance and
efficiency.
o Scalability and Resource Allocation: The private cloud can scale and allocate
resources. According to demand, businesses may scale up or down their
infrastructure, effectively using their resources.
 o Performance and dependability: Private clouds give businesses more control
over the infrastructure at the foundation, improving performance and
dependability.
o Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Organizations may more easily
fulfill certain compliance and regulatory standards using the private cloud. It
provides the freedom to put in place strong security measures, follow data
residency laws, and follow industry-specific norms.
o Hybrid Cloud Integration: Private cloud can be integrated with public cloud
services, forming a hybrid cloud infrastructure. This integration allows
organizations to leverage the benefits of both private and public clouds.

Advantages of Private Cloud

There are the following advantages of the Private Cloud -

o Private cloud provides a high level of security and privacy to the users.
o Private cloud offers better performance with improved speed and space
capacity.
o It allows the IT team to quickly allocate and deliver on-demand IT resources.
o The organization has full control over the cloud because it is managed by the
organization itself. So, there is no need for the organization to depends on
anybody.
o It is suitable for organizations that require a separate cloud for their personal
use and data security is the first priority.
o Customizable to meet specific business needs and compliance regulations.
o Higher reliability and uptime compared to public cloud environments.
o Seamless integration with existing on-premises systems and applications.
o Better compliance and governance capabilities for industry-specific regulations.
o Enhanced flexibility in resource allocation and application deployment.

Disadvantages of Private Cloud

o Skilled people are required to manage and operate cloud services.

o Private cloud is accessible within the organization, so the area of operations is
limited.
o Private cloud is not suitable for organizations that have a high user base, and
organizations that do not have the prebuilt infrastructure, sufficient manpower
to maintain and manage the cloud.
o Higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
o Scaling resources can be challenging compared to public or hybrid cloud
options.
o Relies on internal IT staff for management and troubleshooting.
o Slower deployment timelines and implementation compared to public cloud
solutions.
o Limited access to the latest advancements and innovations offered by public
cloud providers.
o Reduced flexibility and agility compared to public cloud options.
o Challenges in keeping up with hardware and software upgrades and
compatibility.
o Higher risks of technology becoming outdated and the need for regular
infrastructure updates.

Hybrid Cloud
o Hybrid Cloud is a combination of the public cloud and the private cloud. we can
say:

o
o Hybrid Cloud = Public Cloud + Private Cloud
 o Hybrid cloud is partially secure because the services which are running on the
public cloud can be accessed by anyone, while the services which are running
on a private cloud can be accessed only by the organization's users. In a hybrid
cloud setup, organizations can leverage the benefits of both public and private
clouds to create a flexible and scalable computing environment. The public
cloud portion allows using cloud services provided by third-party providers,
accessible over the Internet.

Example: Google Application Suite (Gmail, Google Apps, and Google Drive), Office
365 (MS Office on the Web and One Drive), Amazon Web Services.

Characteristics of Hybrid Cloud

o Integration of Public and Private Clouds: Hybrid cloud seamlessly integrates

public and private clouds, allowing organizations to leverage both advantages.
It provides a unified platform where workloads and data can be deployed and
managed across both environments.
o Flexibility and Scalability: Hybrid cloud offers resource allocation and
scalability flexibility. Organizations can dynamically scale their infrastructure by
utilizing additional resources from the public cloud while maintaining control
over critical workloads on the private cloud.
o Enhanced Security and Control: Hybrid cloud allows organizations to
maintain higher security and control over their sensitive data and critical
applications. Private cloud components provide a secure and dedicated
environment, while public cloud resources can be used for non-sensitive tasks,
ensuring a balanced approach to data protection.
o Cost Optimization: Hybrid cloud enables organizations to optimize costs by
utilizing the cost-effective public cloud for non-sensitive workloads while
keeping mission-critical applications and data on the more cost-efficient private
cloud. This approach allows for efficient resource allocation and cost
management.
o Data and Application Portability: Organizations can move workloads and
data between public and private clouds as needed with a hybrid cloud. This
portability offers agility and the ability to adapt to changing business
requirements, ensuring optimal performance and responsiveness.
o Compliance and Regulatory Compliance: Hybrid cloud helps organizations
address compliance and regulatory requirements more effectively. Sensitive
data and applications can be kept within the private cloud, ensuring compliance
 with industry-specific regulations while leveraging the public cloud for other
non-sensitive operations.
o Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Hybrid cloud facilitates robust
disaster recovery and business continuity strategies. Organizations can replicate
critical data and applications between the private and public clouds, ensuring
redundancy and minimizing the risk of data loss or service disruptions.

Advantages of Hybrid Cloud

There are the following advantages of Hybrid Cloud -

o Hybrid cloud is suitable for organizations that require more security than the
public cloud.
o Hybrid cloud helps you to deliver new products and services more quickly.
o Hybrid cloud provides an excellent way to reduce the risk.
o Hybrid cloud offers flexible resources because of the public cloud and secure
resources because of the private cloud.
o Hybrid facilitates seamless integration between on-premises infrastructure and
cloud environments.
o Hybrid provides greater control over sensitive data and compliance
requirements.
o Hybrid enables efficient workload distribution based on specific needs and
performance requirements.
o Hybrid offers cost optimization by allowing organizations to choose the most
suitable cloud platform for different workloads.
o Hybrid enhances business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities with
private and public cloud resources.
o Hybrid supports hybrid cloud architecture, allowing applications and data to be
deployed across multiple cloud environments based on their unique
requirements.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Cloud

o In Hybrid Cloud, security feature is not as good as the private cloud.

o Managing a hybrid cloud is complex because it is difficult to manage more than
one type of deployment model.
o In the hybrid cloud, the reliability of the services depends on cloud service
providers.
o Potential challenges in data integration and ensuring seamless connectivity
between different cloud platforms.
o Higher costs due to the need for managing and integrating multiple cloud
environments.
o Increased complexity in data governance and compliance management across
different cloud providers.
o Dependency on stable and high-bandwidth internet connections for efficient
hybrid cloud operations.
o Potential compatibility issues between various cloud platforms and
applications.
o Risk of vendor lock-in and limited portability of applications and data across
different cloud providers.
o Requires skilled IT staff with expertise in managing hybrid cloud environments.